Drink Drive Arrests 'Bitterly Disappointing'

Police have now arrested more than 100 people as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s summer drink-drive crackdown, Op Solar.

The latest round of arrests – between 12.01am on June 11 and 11.59pm on June 17 has taken the total number of drivers arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence to 107.

The figures reflect an eight per cent increase on last summer’s 99 arrests.

The force’s Western Area accounted for the most arrests [39 per cent], with 27 in Southampton, 10 in the Eastleigh and Romsey area and five in the New Forest – a total of 42 arrests.

The Eastern Area had 36 per cent of overall arrests with 12 on the Isle of Wight, 11 in Portsmouth, nine in Havant and seven in Fareham and Gosport – a total of 39.

In the Northern Area, where 24 per cent of overall arrests were made, nine were made in the Hart and Rushmoor area, seven in Basingstoke and Deane, six in the Winchester and East Hampshire area and four in Andover – a total of 26.

Of those arrested 72 have been charged [67 per cent], 24 released with no further action [22 per cent] and 11 bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers arrested 91 men [85 per cent] and 16 women [15 per cent] with the oldest person arrested so far being a 71-year-old man and the youngest an 18-year-old male. The average age of those arrested was 35.

Supt Chris Brown, head of roads policing for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said: “These figures come just 17 days in to a three-month campaign so it’s bitterly disappointing to already see more than 100 arrests.

“Drink-driving is stupid and selfish. We know this because as roads policing officers we have seen first hand the carnage it can cause.

“No drink is worth risking your life and the lives of others for. Just leave the car at home. Don’t drink and drive.”

Officers are also going to be at this weekend's Isle of Wight festival, reminding people they may still be over the limit after a boozy weekend.